Friday, February 4, 2011

SUGGESTED READING!


"The outstanding scientific discovery of the 20th century is not television, or radio, but rather the complexity of the land organism."

Aldo Leopold, regarded as the father of conservation, viewed wildlife and the environment much differently than most. During the time of wolf extermination, Leopold was one of the few who questioned the ethical and environmental implications. He recorded his perspectives in his book, A Sand County Almanac, published in 1949.

Sixty years later, the book still serves as a testament to the beauty and science of nature. Leopold is also known for Game Management, the first wildlife management textbook. The Leopold family also participated in creating the ultimate "fixer-upper", the Leopold shack. Buying a farm regarded as worthless by most, they turned it into a haven for their family. The shack stands today and is a tourist attraction.

Leopold was a key proponent for the establishment of the nation's first wilderness area, the Gila Wilderness. The Leopold Wilderness area, adjacent to the Gila, was named after him.

His book is still important today as it recognizes the connection between man and nature, rather than man over nature. This important connection earned appreciation with the '70s environmental movement, as well as with the current green movement.

Source: MotherNatureNetwork

"When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect."-Aldo Leopold (1887-1948)

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